Envisagenics

Overview

Envisagenics is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of novel RNA splicing therapeutics using artificial intelligence (AI). Founded as a spinout from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in 2014, the company is based in New York City. Envisagenics has raised significant funding, including a recent Series B round. It was co-founded by Maria Luisa Pineda and Martin Akerman. The company utilizes its proprietary AI platform, SpliceCore, to identify novel drug targets, partnering with leading pharmaceutical companies to enhance drug discovery capabilities.

Recent Developments

  • July 2024: The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation's Myeloma Investment Fund invested in Envisagenics to accelerate the development of novel immunotherapies for multiple myeloma using the SpliceCore platform.
  • June 2024: Envisagenics successfully raised a Series B financing round, with contributions from strategic investors such as Bristol Myers Squibb, to advance its oncology therapy pipeline and expand commercial offerings.
  • April 2024: Publication in Molecular Systems Biology highlighted Envisagenics' SpliceCore AI/ML platform's efficacy in identifying RNA targets for therapeutic development in Triple Negative Breast Cancer.
  • May 2023: The company highlighted key achievements at JPM Week New York, focusing on developing RNA splicing-based therapeutics with AI.
  • November 2022: Envisagenics announced a research collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb to leverage its AI platform, SpliceCore, for expanding oncology drug development capabilities.

Company Information

AttributeInformation
Founding Date2014
HeadquartersNew York City, New York, United States
FoundersMaria Luisa Pineda, Martin Akerman
RevenueNon-disclosed
ProfitsNon-disclosed
Key InvestorsBristol Myers Squibb, Third Kind Venture Capital
IndustryBiotechnology
Number of Employees51 - 100

Early History

Envisagenics was founded in 2014 by Maria Luisa Pineda and Martin Akerman, leveraging their experience at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. The company was inspired by the success of the RNA therapeutic Spinraza, which motivated the founders to further explore RNA splicing as a therapeutic target. The company's flagship AI platform, SpliceCore, was developed to enhance the drug discovery process by identifying splicing-derived targets. Envisagenics' early focus was on building collaborations with academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies, allowing it to validate its AI platform and secure initial funding, including non-dilutive SBIR grants.

Company Profile and Achievements

Envisagenics has developed a robust business model centered around its AI-powered SpliceCore platform. This technology allows for the rapid identification of RNA splicing variants that can serve as novel drug targets. The company has secured partnerships with major pharmaceutical players such as Bristol Myers Squibb, Biogen, and Johnson & Johnson to address complex therapeutic challenges in oncology and other diseases.

  • 2014: Founded as a spinout from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory with the mission to revolutionize RNA splicing target discovery.
  • 2019: Received SBIR grant from the National Cancer Institute to enhance SpliceCore for immunotherapy development.
  • 2021: Completed Series A financing which enabled the scaling of SpliceCore and expansion of biopharma partnerships.
  • 2022: Collaborated with Bristol Myers Squibb to identify oncology drug targets; expanded into multiple therapeutic areas.
  • 2024: Raised Series B funding round in partnership with Bristol Myers Squibb to further enhance its oncology pipeline.

Current Operations and Market Position

Envisagenics focuses on utilizing AI and RNA sequencing data to accelerate therapeutic discovery and development. Its platform, SpliceCore, analyzes a vast database of RNA splicing events, reducing the time and cost of drug development. The company's strategic partnerships with leading biopharmaceutical firms position it at the forefront of innovation in RNA-based therapeutics. Envisagenics is recognized as a key player in the global AI-driven drug discovery market, with a strong focus on oncology and a growing interest in other diseases.

Conclusion

Envisagenics is a prominent player in the biotech industry, particularly in the field of RNA splicing therapeutics. By leveraging its expertise in AI and machine learning, the company has developed a sophisticated platform to identify novel drug targets, contributing to more efficient and effective drug discovery. Moving forward, Envisagenics aims to continue expanding its therapeutic pipeline and enhancing its strategic partnerships. With significant investment and support from major industry players, Envisagenics is poised for continued impact and growth within the biotechnology sector.

References

  1. Envisagenics News
  2. PRNewswire on Series B Funding
  3. Crains New York on Series B Funding
  4. Molecular Systems Biology Publication
  5. BiopharmaTrend Profile
  6. Envisagenics About Us
  7. Biogen Partnership Announcement
  8. Cold Spring Harbor Lab Spinout
  9. LinkedIn Profile of Envisagenics
  10. Crunchbase on Funding Rounds